Löffler
Fischer Sports · Austria
Löffler is an Austrian functional sportswear maker founded in 1947 by Elfriede Löffler and based in Ried im Innkreis. It has been a subsidiary of Fischer Sports since 1973.
| Founded | 1947 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Elfriede Löffler |
| Owner | Fischer Sports (since 1973) |
| Headquarters | Ried im Innkreis, Austria |
| Segment | Sportswear and outdoor |
| Website | loeffler.at |
What is Löffler?
Löffler is an Austrian sportswear company based in Ried im Innkreis. It was founded in 1947 by Elfriede Löffler, who came from the Kunert hosiery family and started out by making stockings and socks as a private individual.
History
The company became a limited liability company in 1965. After financial trouble it was taken over by Fischer in 1973 and turned into a sportswear manufacturer, and it remains part of the Fischer Sports group. Löffler became a supplier to the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) in 1979.
- 1977: developed the transtex functional material
- 1981: launched its first cycling collection
- 1998: launched its first running collection
- 2008: developed ultrasonic welding for cycling shorts
- 2015: won an Austrian state marketing award in export marketing
Products and positioning
Löffler makes sportswear and functional clothing, including cycling, running and cross-country garments and base-layer underwear. It also makes its own fabrics, which supports a premium technical positioning.
Löffler and technology
Two documented innovations stand out: the in-house transtex functional fabric developed in 1977 and the use of ultrasonic welding for cycling shorts from 2008. Both are production technologies rather than digital ones.
Business model and distribution
The sources consulted do not give a verified split between wholesale, own retail and online sales, so no figures are stated.
Why it matters
Löffler is an example of a vertically integrated European sportswear producer that has been backed by a larger sports group for decades. Its ties to national ski teams and its in-house textile development give it credibility in cycling and Nordic skiing.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Löffler?
Löffler has been a subsidiary of Fischer Sports since 1973, when Fischer took it over after financial difficulties.
Where is Löffler from?
Löffler is from Austria and is based in Ried im Innkreis. It was founded in 1947 by Elfriede Löffler.